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HR Management

Free health perks help wellness, recruiting

03/09/2009

Full-time employees of Lehigh Valley Hospital & Health Network don’t pay for health insurance. Plus, the organization hands them a fistful of “wellness dollars”—$700 to be exact—to spend on anything from gym memberships to massage therapy. Not only does the program help current employees, but also it has improved recruiting.

Take a hike: April 29 is Walk @ Lunch Day

03/09/2009

Get ready to trade working lunches for walking lunches. On April 29, employees at thousands of companies will take part in National Walk @ Lunch Day, sponsored by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

Use these 8 criteria for choosing an outsourcing consultant

03/09/2009

The decision to outsource HR functions often means a lot of hard work. Hiring a consultant to sort through outsourcing options—whether for payroll, benefits administration or any of dozens of other functions—can save time and money. But you must choose the right consultant.

HR salaries weaken, but comp & benefits pay grows

03/09/2009

Base compensation and incentives for HR professionals took a hit last year, according to a new SHRM report, and they aren’t likely to recover anytime soon. The one bright spot, ironically, is pay for compensation and benefits specialists.

Take strong stand against harassment with policy—and punishment for harassers

03/06/2009

There’s no sure way to protect your organization from a rogue supervisor who sexually harasses a subordinate. However, you can reduce your liability with a strong, proactive stand against any supervisor/subordinate personal relationships.

Coping with seriously ill employees and inquisitive co-workers

03/06/2009

It’s sad enough when an employee becomes seriously ill. What makes it tougher is that work doesn’t stop. Responding to these challenges requires tact, sensitivity and flexibility. Mistakes can mean not only hurt feelings but also potential legal liability problems. The key is balance …

Workers’ comp deductibles, premiums to change

03/06/2009

Starting in July, Ohio employers will get their choice of five deductible levels on their workers’ compensation insurance. In exchange for lower premiums, employers will assume a larger risk for workplace accidents.

J.C. Penney to pay $50,000 to end race discrimination case

03/06/2009

J.C. Penney has agreed to settle a racial discrimination suit filed by Reinell Singh, an African-American employee at a Staten Island store. Singh alleged her supervisor used racially offensive names when referring to her and ultimately fired her because of her race.

Stacks of résumés are no excuse for sloppy hiring practices

03/06/2009

Despite the daily economic lamentations, some employers are still hiring. Those employers may think they are in the catbird seat because they may have hundreds of applicants for each position. But a bonanza of applicants is no excuse for shoddy hiring practices. You must make sure they comply with state and federal laws.

Warn employees of the dangers of dipping into 401(k) funds

03/03/2009

As the economic meltdown worsens, employees facing personal budget crises may go looking for their own financial bailouts—by tapping into 401(k) savings. They may turn to HR pros like you to learn how to take hardship withdrawals or borrow against their investments. There are good reasons to steer them away from treating their retirement nest eggs as rainy-day funds.